Joseph Conrad began violin making as a student of Carlene Hutchins in the 1970s and 1980s. He continued to build instruments on his own, applying the Italian methods he learned from CM Hutchins. His violins were typically Stradivari or Guarneri patterns, built from wood aged 70 to 100 years. He also made many violas and cellos. This particular violin is in excellent condition. It has a clean, medium tone (not too bright, not too dark) through the upper positions, with good harmonics and overtones. It would work well for an advanced student or serious amateur instrument.